High-end for less: Decor ideas from a ‘Parade’ tour

Want to see inside? Yeah, we did too!

One of my family’s favorite vacation activities is seeking decor inspiration from Parade of Homes-type tours. It is SO refreshing and energizing to see style influences from another area. In particular, we love to draw ideas from the beauty and originality of high-end homes, then translate that style into something more affordable and realistic we can use in our own rooms.

I recently attended an incredible tour of million dollar homes in Sarasota, Florida with my mother (trained in interior design), grandmother and great aunt. It’s crazy to think people spend that kind of money on their homes, but certainly interesting to see what they come up with.

Here are a few key design trends we noticed and ways YOU can copy the decor for LESS.

How pretty is this modern kitchen?! It’s always so nice spending time with my grandma.

Before we dive in, you might be thinking our vacation endeavor sounds a bit unusual. Some families do theme-parks, mine does house hunts. When I was ten, I wasn’t particularly enthused to spend my time attending open houses, driving neighborhoods to look at architecture, or visiting the latest “Historic Homes” tour for decor ideas. Now, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Those early observations jump started a life-long love of design.

Let’s get started!

Soothing blue and white decor

From bedrooms to living rooms, watery blues ruled the day, adding just the right pop of color to white walls and trim. This lovely bedroom decor is especially successful because it plays with a mix of patterns and textures. Nothing is too matchy, matchy. Instead, it uses a range of complementary blues to create a cohesive look.

Notice how the designer created interest with the textural bedding?

That layered look is easy to recreate by finding a neutral comforter or coverlet for your base, then adding pops of color with decorative pillows or throws. I used this one in my spare bedroom and LOVE it. It is reminiscent of waves and consequently mixes very well with blue accents in your decor. Don’t feel forced into buying a pre-packaged bedding set; you can create your own!

Do you have a high ceiling in your bedroom? You can’t go wrong with a stunning chandelier. (Here’s another beauty for under $200).

In this room, the chandelier and curtains help make an already high ceiling look even taller.

Wallpaper/Grass cloth in Bathrooms

Does wallpaper make you nervous? I’m still trying to get my husband on board with the idea, so if you are, I get it! A bathroom is the perfect place to dip your toes into the wallpaper waters, because it is a smaller, more personal space. You can go bold like this first example, or opt for something more textural in a neutral shade. There are wall covering options for every taste and style. I’m partial to grass cloth and plan to add it to our entry way soon.

Unique Wall Treatments

Several of these homes made use of unique wall treatments that would be easy to recreate. Take a look at how the designer used simple boards to add interest in this all-white space. Looks just like shiplap! If you’re building or remodeling a home, these features would really help customize and personalize your space. Ask a contractor to install these boards on a feature wall, or—-if you’re handy—you could take this on as a weekend DIY project.

Painted Built-Ins/Strategic Art Placement

Since most of these homes have all white walls, the designers used paint to add punch to built-ins. Don’t have built-in shelving? You can achieve a similar look by painting the inside of a bookshelf. If you opt for a dark color, look for neutral vases or decorative objects in various shapes and sizes. This will help play up your bold color.

In this next room, decorators strategically flanked the fireplace with paintings, dressers and urns. Have an empty spot above your fireplace? You can’t go wrong with a bold sunburst mirror.

Abstract Art Above Headboards

Almost every master bedroom on this tour utilized abstract artwork above the headboard to create extra drama. It extends the visual line of the headboard upward and gives the room a stately appearance. The room below was one of my personal favorites. Isn’t the detailing on the ceiling pretty? I love how textural this space is.

This bedroom below is another example of the use of artwork to visually extend your headboard. This space is both elegant and masculine at the same time. The use of a distressed leather bed and metal pendants really give this room a rustic flair.

Whew… That was a lot to cover, and I haven’t even scratched the surface of everything we saw. I will leave you with a few more of my favorite photos. Hopefully, these high-end rooms will give you a plethora of ideas to incorporate into your own decor.

laveremis
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29th Mar 18

Your choices do not look one bit less gorgeous than the others. I was reading and looking and thinking well, I smile everyday knowing my bills are paid. Those aren’t things I could purchase but then I seen the open light with just a strip up each side and the space that you have over the fireplace. I could eventually afford that hanging lamp, not sure if it is a chandelier, and one wall of the room to look like shiplap! I would love that! My question is who would pay a million dollars for a home?

laveremis
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29th Mar 18

I’m with you there Gladys. We were asking ourselves that same question… It seems a bit outrageous, doesn’t it. Maybe lottery winners or celebrities? Their spaces are certainly fun to use as inspiration though.

Your photography is beautiful! I love ceiling details, like those in the abstract painting photo, and its a shame when houses are finished without coving or plastering details – All the rooms just look like boxes! Luckily, I’ve found that painted polystyrene coving is identical to expensive plaster options 😉

laveremis
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29th Mar 18

Ooh, great find! I bet that made a HUGE difference.

Elizabeth O
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29th Mar 18

I have home envy right now, the interior design is just perfect and I adore that you have given so many great tips on how people can achieve this look for less. A million dollar home though, wowzer!

My family lives down in Sarasota and there is major money there! I quit doing too much looking around in the area because it’s so expensive. I really appreciate the tips on stealing the style for less though because I’m all about the return of blue and white decor.

laveremis
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2nd Apr 18

Sarasota is quite an interesting market, isn’t it? The prices are quite astronomical, but it sure is fun to look!

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Meet Lindsay

Lindsay Veremis is a TV journalist/communicator with a flair for fashion and design. A toddler mom, short girl (under 5') & storyteller, she believes in clean lines, strong coffee and injecting a touch of elegance into daily life.